The anticipation is mounting as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) prepares to host a star-studded IndyCar Series test on its famed road course, with a roster that’s grown impressively in recent days. Scheduled for October 13, 2025, this test session is shaping up to be a showcase of emerging talent, seasoned veterans, and ambitious rookies—all eager to make their mark as the 2026 IndyCar season looms on the horizon.
Among the headline acts, James Roe stands out as he gears up for his first official outing in an IndyCar with Juncos Hollinger Racing. Roe will pilot the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, a significant milestone in his career and a testament to the team’s ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent within the IndyCar ranks. Team Principal Dave O’Neill made his enthusiasm clear, stating, “We’re excited to have James join us for the IMS Road Course test. He’s shown strong progression through the junior ranks, and his recent experience in both Indy NXT and LMP2 makes this a natural next step. The test will give us a chance to evaluate his potential in the IndyCar environment, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in the No. 76 car.”
Roe’s journey to this moment is marked by steady growth and impressive achievements. A 26-year-old native of Naas, now based in Indianapolis, Roe has carved out a reputation as a rising star in junior and prototype racing. His Indy NXT record is nothing to sneeze at: three podium finishes, nine top-fives, a pole position, and a lap record at Iowa. At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself, Roe has qualified on the front row three times and claimed a podium—no small feat on one of motorsport’s most storied circuits. Most recently, he competed in the LMP2 class at IMSA’s 2025 Battle on the Bricks, further sharpening his skills ahead of his IndyCar debut.
“Driving in the IndyCar NTT Series has always been my goal, and I’m incredibly grateful to Juncos Hollinger Racing for this opportunity,” Roe expressed, brimming with excitement. “Indy NXT has been great preparation, and getting seat time in the LMP2 car on the IMS Road Course last month has only added to my confidence.”
Roe isn’t the only young driver set to turn heads at the IMS test. Mick Schumacher, son of legendary Formula One driver Michael Schumacher, is poised to make his first laps in a Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda. Schumacher’s entry is drawing plenty of attention, as fans and pundits alike are eager to see how his skill set translates to the unique demands of IndyCar racing. This test marks a significant step for Mick as he explores new terrain in his motorsport journey.
Meanwhile, Caio Collet will be making his second run with AJ Foyt Racing in their Chevy-powered machine. Collet, who also participated in the recent evaluation day at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, is among a group of drivers with limited IndyCar experience getting a valuable chance to prove their mettle. That Mid-Ohio session, held on October 1, 2025, featured a host of up-and-comers, including Felipe Nasr for Team Penske, Niels Koolen for Chip Ganassi Racing, and Kakunoshin Ohta for Meyer Shank Racing. These opportunities are vital, offering a rare glimpse of the next generation as they adapt to the rigors of America’s premier open-wheel series.
Another notable name on the test list is Dennis Hauger, the reigning 2025 Indy NXT champion. Hauger’s debut behind the wheel of a Dale Coyne Racing IndyCar at Mid-Ohio was a watershed moment for the Norwegian driver, who will also be taking part in the IMS test. Dale Coyne Racing’s recent technical alliance with Andretti Global adds further intrigue, as both organizations seek to accelerate Hauger’s development and integration into the series. Reflecting on his experience, Hauger said, “It’s really great. It’s an incredible experience to drive an IndyCar for the first time. It’s really cool to be with Dale Coyne and start working. Overall, there are a lot of positives to take away and a lot of potential. I’m happy and looking forward to the next step.”
Hauger’s journey through Indy NXT has been instrumental in preparing him for IndyCar. “I think it was really important for me to be in Indy NXT this year to prepare for IndyCar. I got to know the tracks, the style of the teams here, the environments, the people and their way of working. Mainly the tracks, the ovals… I learned a lot of new things that can be transferred to IndyCar.” With several more days of testing expected before the 2026 season opener on March 1 in St. Petersburg, Florida, Hauger’s learning curve is steep but promising.
The depth of talent doesn’t stop there. Ed Carpenter Racing is set to field both Christian Rasmussen and Alexander Rossi in their Chevy-powered entries, giving the team a blend of youthful exuberance and proven racecraft. Andretti Global will bring Lochie Hughes for a one-day stint in a Honda, while Juncos Hollinger Racing completes the lineup with Roe’s eagerly anticipated debut.
For Roe, the preparation for this moment has been meticulous. His time in Indy NXT, coupled with recent LMP2 experience on the IMS road course just last month, has built a solid foundation. “Indy NXT has been great preparation, and getting seat time in the LMP2 car on the IMS road course last month has only added to my confidence,” Roe reiterated. His gratitude for the opportunity is palpable, and the racing community is watching closely to see how he adapts to the top tier of American open-wheel racing.
With so many storylines converging at the IMS test, the event promises to be a fascinating barometer for the future of IndyCar. Will Schumacher’s F1 pedigree give him an edge? Can Collet and Hauger translate their Indy NXT successes to the main stage? And will James Roe seize his chance to shine with Juncos Hollinger Racing?
One thing is certain: the expanded entry list and the diversity of talent on display ensure that the IMS road course test will be anything but routine. As teams fine-tune their lineups ahead of the 2026 campaign, every lap, every sector, and every debrief will count. The action is set to unfold in dramatic fashion, with the eyes of the racing world fixed firmly on Indianapolis.
As the engines fire up and the contenders take to the track, this IndyCar test session is more than just a warm-up—it’s a proving ground for the next generation. The future of IndyCar is taking shape, one lap at a time, and fans can expect plenty of fireworks as these drivers battle for a place in the spotlight.
